Working with CIDA

• How to make an application to CIDA for support for a development initiative
• Other sources of funding for your projects
• How to compete for contracts awarded by CIDA
• Other markets for your goods and services
• Business Conduct and Non-discrimination

CIDA, like its counterparts in other countries, works with partners based in Canada and around the world to reduce poverty in developing countries.

How to make an application to CIDA for support for a development initiative

As part of its continuing efforts to make Canadian aid more efficient, effective, transparent and accountable, CIDA launched a new programming process on January 29, 2013. If you are contemplating submitting a proposal to obtain CIDA funding, please review the steps to Apply for Funding from CIDA and use the new standardized application form (PDF, 838 KB, 19 pages).

If you represent an organization working to reduce poverty in developing countries and are planning a project or initiative whose objectives correspond to CIDA's priority themes and to its work in a particular region and country, you can:

• Consult current Calls for Proposals for initiatives.
  • Calls for Proposals always include a specific application form posted for submissions. Please use the appropriate form when responding to a Call, following the included guidelines.
  • Please note that some Calls for Proposals are only open to Canadian organizations.
• Submit an unsolicited proposal to implement a project in a country eligible for development assistance from Canada. To be considered, proposals must meet eligibility and other funding criteria as defined in the application form (PDF, 838 KB, 19 pages). For example:
  • Development must be the main objective
  • The proposal must conform with the development priorities established by CIDA for the region or country
  • No profit can be associated with the agreement.

When a natural disaster or a crisis occurs in a developing country, non-governmental organizations with experience in responding to emergency situations may submit a proposal to the International Humanitarian Assistance Program to offer short-term assistance to those affected. For further information, please contact us:

Telephone: 819-994-3948
Toll-free: 1-800-230-6349
Fax: 819-997-2637

In order to simplify this process, Canadian organizations that work with CIDA, or would like to do so, may register on the Partners@CIDA portal, which aims to simplify operational procedures between CIDA and its partners. Registered partners will enjoy a speedier and more efficient way to communicate with CIDA and process funding proposals.

For more information, send an email to info@acdi-cida.gc.ca.

Other sources of funding for your projects

Other Government of Canada departments or agencies manage portions of the international assistance envelope—especially for peace and security. For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's (DFAIT) Investment Cooperation Program aims to promote private sector involvement in developing countries in order to encourage sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty.

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, also administered by DFAIT, aims to support small projects put forward and implemented by local organizations in developing countries. If you are based in a developing country and would like to obtain information in this regard, consult the Canadian representatives abroad page for the appropriate Government of Canada diplomatic or consular mission to contact.

Researchers and students pursuing international development research work at a university in Canada or in a developing country may apply for funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

How to compete for contracts awarded by CIDA

CIDA regularly posts Requests for Proposals on MERX, the Government of Canada's electronic tendering service. If your organization or business is interested in competing to become an executing agency or a consultant for a CIDA-funded development initiative, please:

• Review current Requests for Proposals published on MERX and submit a proposal if you represent a supplier.
• Consult Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) methods of supply which are also used by CIDA to contract consultants.
• Register through Devex if you are an international development service provider and wish to compete for CIDA-funded contracts.

CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy is an initiative which promotes Aboriginal business development in Canada. To learn more about this initiative, please consult CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement portal.

Other markets for your goods and services

Canadian suppliers, as well as suppliers from other countries, may submit proposals in response to international requests for proposals launched by several types of organizations, such as:

• The United Nations system, which is made up of a multitude of organizations, commissions, programs, and funds, each seeking different goods and services. Suppliers may register with the United Nations Procurement Division or visit the United Nations Development Business site to learn about current business opportunities.
• Multilateral development banks, which play a major role in the social and economic development programs of developing countries or countries in transition. To assist Canadian firms and individuals in accessing business opportunities in development markets, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has compiled a list of offices of liaison with international financial institutions. Further information on multilateral development banks can be obtained through the World Bank.
• Bilateral donor agencies such as the Department for International Development (DFID). British official development assistance has been fully untied since 2001, allowing suppliers from around the world to bid to secure DFID contracts.
• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) posts official development assistance contract opportunities on a dedicated bulletin board.

Business Conduct and Non-discrimination

CIDA recognizes that achieving lasting, sustainable development results depends on efficient and effective democratic governance. CIDA has adopted governance as a cross-cutting theme in all of its development policies and programming. This means that CIDA seeks to build more capable, responsive and accountable governance institutions and processes across all of the Agency's work, in a manner that reflects Canadian values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and ensures the effectiveness of Canada's aid investments

In working with CIDA, partners need to take account of the Agency; democratic governance objectives:

1. Accountability and Transparency- Public institutions that ensure that stakeholders have access to information on how decisions are made and resources are allocated
2. Participation and Inclusion- Citizen participation and ownership in development processes to sustain social and economic progress, ensuring benefits are shared without any exclusion or discrimination based on age, gender, disability, social status, ethnicity or other social factors or customary practices
3. Access to Services – Equal access to effective and responsive public services and productive resources

Questions?

For more information, please contact us.